Congratulations to Cole Brauer on becoming the first American woman to sail solo, non-stop around the globe via the three great Capes and for her second place finish in the Global Solo Challenge! While this is so very loosely related to our journey, her journey deeply touched me and I wanted to share and celebrate her amazing accomplishments.
Cole finished at 8:32 CET this morning, 130 days after her start. I didn’t get to watch her finish, but I watched nearly the last hour of her approach to the finish line as a thunderstorm had me up anyway, and was crying happy tears for her. She approached A Coruña at first light, fitting, as First Light is also the name of her boat.
Watching her for the past few months has been nothing short of amazing. I cannot imagine sailing solo period, nevermind around the world, around the Capes, in whatever conditions you happen to encounter, having to make repairs as you sail, and having to be your own doctor (she both suffered a rib injury and dehydration). Her live updates were always unapologetically raw – sometimes she was dancing like a fool, sometimes she was visibly shaken (as when she learned that a fellow competitor was taking on water and slowly sinking – he was rescued).
She got a whole new audience interested in racing in a way that few other race programs have. I saw so many non-sailors following along and learning about sailing and racing as her journey progressed. She inspired thousands of women and men, and I hope her achievement turns on a whole new generation of sailors. I hope particularly that she inspires more women to race at all levels of the sport.
I also love that the Global Solo Challenge winner, Phillipe Delmare, was there in one of the chase boats to welcome her into port as she finished and presented her with her trophy. The participants in this race have demonstrated such amazing sportsmanship, supporting one another and cheering each other on, just as it should be!
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